CLEMSON — The 2023 football season was not an All-American type of season by Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. However, it was not bad either.

His 2,844 yards ranked third in the ACC behind UNC’s Drake Maye and Louisville’s Jake Plummer. His 63.9 percent completion percentage tied for third in the league, while his 19 touchdowns were tied for fifth.

It was not all good stats for the Tigers’ quarterback. Klubnik threw nine interceptions and fumbled 10 times, losing five of them. His 14 turnovers were only topped by Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, Boston College’s Thomas Castellanos and Plummer.

“Cade has got so much hate this year. He says he does not see it, but I know he sees it. We see it,” defensive back Khalil Barnes said after the Gator Bowl.

Klubnik did not let his struggles or the hate from the media and fans affect him. As Barnes said, he continued to lead the team, while at the same time he got better as the course of the season went along.

In wins over Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and North Carolina, Klubnik outplayed his counterparts in Sam Hartman, King and Maye, while combing to complete 57 of 92 passes for 533 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions.

Klubnik also ran the football well down the stretch, combing for 116 yards and a touchdown against Georgia Tech, UNC and South Carolina. He ran for season-high 52 yards on 11 carries against the Gamecocks.

The most important thing Klubnik did at the end of the year was take care of the football. During Clemson’s five-game win streak to close the season, he turned the ball over just four times and did not lose any fumbles.

“He just continues to lead,” Barnes said.

Klubnik’s teammates say one of his best attributes is his leadership, which was on display in the Tigers’ Gator Bowl win over Kentucky. He rallied the Tigers from 11 points down at the start of the fourth quarter for a 38-35 win.

Clemson scored a school and Gator Bowl record 28 points in the final quarter. However, what was most impressive was Klubnik’s poise in leading the Tigers on a game-winning drive in the final two minutes.

On the 12-play, 68-yard drive, he completed all eight of his passes for 71 yards. He also completed the two-point conversion pass to Josh Sapp after Phil Mafah’s game-winning touchdown.

“He talks to the defense. He lets us know we got it. He told us, ‘I got you!’ So, you trust him. We see it every day in practice. We trust him and he trusts us,” Barnes said.